Greece in October

Greece › Visiting in October
By Santorini Dave

See Also

• Where to Stay in Athens
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Where to Stay in Mykonos
• Where to Stay in Naxos
• Where to Stay in Paros
• Where to Stay in Crete
• Where to Stay in Corfu
• Where to Stay in Rhodes

October is the epilogue to the Greek summer, a month for the seasoned traveler who values authenticity and tranquility over guaranteed high heat. The intense energy of the summer season gives way to a serene, local atmosphere. The weather is a mix of beautiful, sunny days perfect for long walks and cooler, changeable weather that brings the landscape back to life. For visitors seeking to explore Greece’s profound history and natural beauty without the crowds and at a great value, October is a uniquely rewarding time to visit. October is one of my favorite times to visit Greece. I highly recommend it as long as the beach and swimming are not your main interests.

Why October?

Pleasant, Mild Weather: The primary advantage of October is the temperature. The weather is generally mild and comfortable, ideal for all-day sightseeing and hiking, activities that are often unbearable in the summer heat. Evenings are distinctly cooler, perfect for cozying up in a local taverna.

Minimal Crowds: The summer crowds are a distant memory. You can wander through world-famous archaeological sites like the Acropolis or the Palace of Knossos in relative peace, allowing for a much more intimate and meaningful experience.

Excellent Value: With the high season over, prices for flights and hotels drop significantly. October is one of the best months for finding deals on accommodations, allowing you to stay in better hotels for a fraction of the summer cost.

The Returning Green: After the long, dry summer, the first autumn rains can begin to bring a touch of green back to the landscape, particularly in the Ionian islands and Crete.

Athens
October is one of my favorite months to visit Athens. The weather is perfect for long days of exploring the city’s vast historical landscape on foot, from the Acropolis down through the Ancient Agora. The pros are the minimal crowds and comfortable temperatures. The only con is the higher chance of rain compared to summer, so packing a jacket is essential.

Santorini
Visiting Santorini in October allows you to experience its epic, world-famous views without the distraction of peak-season crowds. The weather is ideal for hiking the caldera trail from Fira to Oia. The cons are that the weather is less predictably sunny and warm, with a greater chance of wind or rain. Early October is usually pretty good for swimming and beach weather, late October is more of a coin flip.

Mykonos
October in Mykonos offers a rare glimpse of the island’s natural beauty and the charm of its main town without the party scene. The pros are the tranquility and the low prices. The significant con is that the island’s famous nightlife and beach club scene is over; most of the major clubs are closed for the season. This is a trip for seeing the island, not for the party.

Crete
Crete is the number one island destination for October. Its position as the southernmost Greek island means it has the warmest and most reliable weather. The sea is often still warm enough for swimming, and the cooler temperatures are perfect for hiking and exploring its diverse landscape. The cons are minimal, though the north coast can be windy, and some tourist businesses in smaller resorts may close by the end of the month.

Naxos
October on Naxos offers a deeply authentic experience, with a focus on its mountain villages and local life. The weather is excellent for hiking the island’s many trails. The primary con is that the island will be quiet, and many tourist services, especially outside of the main town, will be closed for the winter.

Paros
Like Naxos, Paros in October is for travelers seeking a quiet, local atmosphere. The beautiful fishing village of Naoussa is peaceful and lovely to explore without the crowds. The cons are that some of its shops and restaurants will be closing down by late-October, and the weather can be unpredictable.

Rhodes
Along with Crete, Rhodes is a top choice for an October island trip. Its southern location in the Dodecanese provides some of the best chances for sunny, warm weather. The magnificent Old Town is a joy to explore without the summer crowds. The con remains its location, which makes it a standalone trip rather than part of a Cycladic island tour.

Corfu
The Ionian island of Corfu can be beautiful in October as the first autumn rains bring its lush landscape back to life. The main con is the weather; of all the islands listed, Corfu will be the coolest and have the highest probability of rain. Many resorts will be closing for the season.

Smaller Islands & Other Groups
Visiting smaller, more seasonal islands in October can be risky. Many businesses (but not all) on islands like Milos, Ios, or the Small Cyclades will be closed for the winter by mid-October, and ferry schedules will be significantly reduced. For an October trip, it is wise to stick to larger islands with substantial year-round populations that do not depend solely on tourism. Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, is a great option as it has a vibrant local life. The Saronic Islands like Aegina and Hydra are also good for a short trip from the still-bustling hub of Athens.

Mainland Greece: The mainland is at its best for cultural touring in October. The weather is mild and pleasant, and the summer crowds are gone, allowing for peaceful and in-depth exploration of Olympia, Mycenae, and other major sites. The autumn foliage in mountainous regions like Zagori and around Meteora is beautiful. While the weather is less predictable with a higher chance of rain, it is the perfect time for long, comfortable days of driving and discovery through the Peloponnese.

Hiking: This is the best activity for October. The cool, pleasant weather is ideal for exploring the mountain trails of Crete or the ancient footpaths of Naxos and Paros.

The Olive Harvest: While September has the grape harvest, late October is the beginning of the olive harvest. In areas like Crete and the Peloponnese, you can see this ancient and vital part of Greek life begin.

Swimming (for the Brave): The sea in October is often warmer than the air, but it is certainly not hot. For those accustomed to cooler waters, a swim on a sunny day is a fantastic and invigorating bonus.

Oxi Day (October 28th): A major national holiday commemorating Greece’s refusal to surrender to the Axis powers in 1940. Expect patriotic parades in every town and city, but also be aware that most archaeological sites and shops will be closed.

Booking, Prices, and What’s Open: This is the off-season, offering excellent value on hotels and flights. However, your flexibility is key. Be aware that tourist businesses will start closing, especially in the second half of the month. Santorini is the exception, as everything remains open well into November.

Getting Around: Ferry schedules are significantly reduced to their near-winter timetables. This can make island hopping more challenging and requires careful planning. Stick to major, well-serviced routes which run year-round.

What to Pack: Layers are essential. Pack for both sunny, mild days and cool, potentially wet evenings. Include t-shirts, sweaters or fleeces, long pants, and a waterproof and windproof jacket.

What to Be Aware Of: The weather is the biggest variable. Be prepared for the possibility of rain and wind, which can affect ferry travel. The official start of low-season pricing for archaeological sites is November 1st, so for most of October, high-season rates still apply.

For Couples & a Quiet Escape: If you value tranquility and authenticity over guaranteed sunshine and a bustling scene, October is wonderfully romantic.

Not Recommended For: First-time visitors seeking a classic “sun and sand” Greek island holiday, or anyone looking for a party atmosphere.